,,ii #aaf? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #bbje ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,july #bc1 #bjai,mr4 ,casey 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,br[n1 ,mr4 ,ka9e1 ,mr4 ,w>n]1 & ,mr4 ,man*97 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 & ,p5sions ,a ,,bill ,to ensure t claims = b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act are process$ 9 a fair & timely mann]1 to bett] protect m9]s f pneumoconiosis 7commonly kn[n z black lung disease71 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai4 #b4 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #c4 ,f9d+s4 ,,title ,i--,black lung b5efits ,,"p ,a--,improv+ ! process = fil+ & adjudicat+ claims = b5efits ,sec4 #aja4 ,m&atory disclosure ( m$ical in=mation & reports4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,attorneys' fees & m$ical exp5ses paym5t program4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,cl>ify+ eligibility = black lung b5efits4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,re/or+ adequate b5efit adju/m5ts = m9]s suff]+ f black lung disease & = _! dep5d5t family memb]s4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,treatm5t ( evid5ce 9 equipoise4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,provid+ assi/ance ) claims = m9]s & _! dep5d5t family memb]s4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,false /atem5ts or misrepres5tations1 attorney disqualification1 & discov]y sanctions4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,developm5t ( m$ical evid5ce by ! ,secret>y4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,m$ical evid5ce tra9+ program4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,readjudicat+ cases involv+ c]ta9 *e/ radiographs4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,disclosure ( employm5t & e>n+s in=mation = ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act claims4 ,,"p ,b--,reports ,to improve ! adm9i/ration ( b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act ,sec4 #aba4 ,/rategy to r$uce delays 9 adjudication4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,,gao report on black lung program4 ,,title ,,ii--,/&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration ,sec4 #bja4 ,/&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration4 ,,title ,,iii--,e/abli%+ ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs ,sec4 #cja4 ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs4 ,,title ,,iv--,sev]ability ,sec4 #dja4 ,sev]ability4 #c4 ,f9d+s ,congress f9ds ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq47 0 enact$ to provide heal? c>e & mode/ b5efits to coal m9]s :o develop pneumoconiosis 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z black lung disease7 result+ f exposure to coal du/ dur+ _! employm5t4 ,yet ! det]m9ation ( a claimant's eligibility = ^! b5efits (t5 requires complex1 adv]s>ial litigation4 ,res\rce disp>ities betwe5 coal companies & su* claimants are widespread )9 ! /atutory & regulatory framework ( su* ,act4 ,compreh5sive re=ms are necess>y to ensure t coal m9]s are n at a disadvantage :5 fil+ claims = b5efits4 7#b7 ,! ,gov]nm5t ,acc\ntability ,(fice has f\nd t _m claimants "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act are n equipp$ ) ! m$ical & legal res\rces necess>y to develop evid5ce to meet ! requirem5ts = b5efits4 ,m9]s (t5 lack complete & reliable m$ical evid5ce1 consequ5tly increas+ ! risk t ! individuals :o review claims = b5efits w be pres5t$ ) insuffici5t m$ical evid5ce4 ,simil>ly1 )\t bett] options = legal repres5tation1 significant numb]s ( su* claimants proce$ ) _! claims ?r\gh a complex & pot5tially long adm9i/rative process )\t res\rces t ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor (ficials & black lung disease exp]ts note are important = develop+ evid5ce & support+ _! claims4 ,only #db p]c5t ( claimants are repres5t$ by an attorney dur+ ! initial claims det]m9ation4 ,abs5t ef=ts to rem$y adm9i/rative problems & address /ructural weaknesses 9 ! process = obta9+ b5efits1 claimants ) m]itori\s claims w n receive b5efits4 7#c7 ,full ex*ange & disclosure betwe5 ! p>ties ( relevant m$ical in=mation is ess5tial = fair adjudication ( claims "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act1 reg>dless ( :e!r ! p>ties int5d to submit su* in=mation into evid5ce4 ,records ( adjudications reveal t "s m9e op]ators' legal repres5tatives h )held relevant evid5ce f claimants1 adm9i/rative law judges1 &1 9 "s cases1 ev5 _! own m$ical exp]ts4 ,9 sev]al cases1 ! disclosure ( su* evid5ce w\ld h sub/antiat$ a m9]'s claim = b5efits4 ,)hold+ m$ical in=mation c endang] m9]s by depriv+ !m ( important in=mation ab\t _! own heal? & ! pot5tial ne$ to seek m$ical treatm5t4 7#d7 ,giv5 ! rem$ial nature ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act1 :5 an adjudicator det]m9es t evid5ce is ev5ly balanc$1 x is appropriate = any result+ d\bt to be resolv$ 9 favor ( ! claimant4 ,! ,supreme ,c\rt vacat$ ?is long/&+ legal pr9ciple1 n on sub/antive gr\nds1 b because its application conflict$ ) ! requirem5ts ( ano!r /atute4 ,su* pr9ciple ne$s to be re9/at$ 9 ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act because x provides fairness & improves ! adm9i/ration ( b5efits4 7#e7 ,physicians :o read lung x-rays z "p ( pulmon>y assessm5ts us$ 9 proce$+s = claims "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act are requir$ to demon/rate compet5cy 9 classify+ *e/ radiographs by becom+ c]tifi$ z ,b ,read]s by ! ,national ,in/itute = ,occupational ,safety & ,heal? 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z ,,nio%74 ,h[ev]1 pa/ inve/igations h uncov]$ t !re h be5 ,,nio%-c]tifi$ ,b ,read]s :o sy/ematically misclassifi$ *e/ radiographs :ile employ$ by coal op]ators or _! law firms = ! purpose ( oppos+ claims "u su* ,act4 ,:]e *e/ radiographs are ne$$ to e/abli% entitlem5t to b5efits1 claimants %\ld h access to accurate int]pretations s z to ensure ! fair adjudication ( su* claims4 7#f7 ,pa/ in/ances ( sy/ematic misclassification ( *e/ radiographs t result$ 9 survivors be+ d5i$ b5efit claims "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7 n discov]$ until ye>s aft] ! misclassifications _h begun4 ,9 su* in/ances1 survivors %\ld be p]mitt$ to file a new claim = b5efits "u su* ,act4 ,h[ev]1 a survivor is effectively b>r$ f fil+ a new claim "o ye> aft] a decision reg>d+ su* b5efits is f9al1 con/itut+ an inju/ice t m]its a rem$y4 7#g7 ,insuffici5t numb]s ( adm9i/rative law judges 9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor c\pl$ ) high numb]s ( cases fil$ "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act & disruptions 9 ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t functions caus$ by %utd[ns h contribut$ to ext5sive delays 9 adjudicat+ claims "u su* ,act & num]\s o!r labor & employm5t laws4 ,a #bjag report by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor ,(fice ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al f\nd t ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs took an av]age ( almo/ a ye> to process a claim = b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act & t claims appeal$ to ! ,(fice ( ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judges took1 on av]age1 an additional #fdj days to receive a decision4 ,^! delays directly & sev]ely impact ! lives ( work]s ?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 plac+ an undue f9ancial & emotional burd5 on ! affect$ individuals & _! families4 7#h7 ,contr>y to ! int5t ( ,congress1 b5efits paym5ts "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act d n automatically increase ) ! ris+ co/ ( liv+4 ,b5efit paym5ts are ti$ to ! mon?ly pay rate = ,f$]al employees 9 grade ,,gs-#b1 /ep #a4 ,9 multiple fiscal ye>s betwe5 #bjaj & ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !re 0 a pay freeze = ,f$]al employees1 :i* _h ! effect ( elim9at+ co/-(-liv+ adju/m5ts = m9]s1 surviv+ sp\ses1 & dep5d5ts "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act dur+ su* ye>s4 7#i7 ,a compet5t assessm5t ( m$ical in=mation & te/imony1 :i* (t5 involves multiple physicians disput+ a diagnosis1 is necess>y 9 det]m9+ :e!r to aw>d b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act4 ,to ensure t a det]m9ation reg>d+ a claim = b5efits "u su* ,act is fair & accurate1 regul> tra9+ is ne$$ reg>d+-- 7,a7 developm5ts 9 pulmon>y m$ic9e relat+ to black lung disease2 7,b7 m$ical evid5ce necess>y to su/a9 claims = su* b5efits2 & 7,c7 ! prop] weight to be giv5 to conflict+ evid5ce4 7#aj7 ,black lung disease has be5 ! und]ly+ or contribut+ cause ( dea? ( m ?an #gh1jjj m9]s s9ce #aifh4 ,aft] decades ( decl9e1 ! incid5ce ( coal m9]s ) black lung disease is on ! rise4 ,accord+ to ,,nio%1 m9]s are develop+ advanc$ cases ( ! disease at y\ng] ages4 ,9 response1 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor took important /eps to combat ! disease1 includ+ promulgat+ a rule 9 #bjad t r$uc$ ! all[$ conc5tration ( coal du/ & address$ weaknesses 9 ! du/ sampl+ sy/em4 ,retrospective /udies %\ld be cont9u$ to det]m9e :e!r revisions to ! /&>ds are necess>y to elim9ate ! disease4 7#aa7 ,to elim9ate an avoidable delay 9 evaluat+ claims "u su* ,act1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor has recomm5d$ legislation t w\ld au?orize ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor to h electronic access to m9]s' e>n+ records held by ! ,social ,security ,adm9i/ration4 ,i ,black lung b5efits ,a ,improv+ ! process = fil+ & adjudicat+ claims = b5efits #aja4 ,m&atory disclosure ( m$ical in=mation & reports ,"p ,a ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq47 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #djc4 ,m&atory m$ical in=mation disclosure 7a7 ,report ,9 any claim = b5efits "u ?is title1 an op]ator t requires a m9] to submit to a m$ical exam9ation reg>d+ ! m9]'s respiratory or pulmon>y condition %all1 n lat] ?an #ba days aft] ! m9] has be5 exam9$1 deliv] to ! claimant a complete copy ( ! exam9+ physician's report4 ,! exam9+ physician's report %all-- 7#a7 be 9 writ+2 & 7#b7 set out 9 detail ! f9d+s ( su* physician1 includ+ any diagnoses & conclusions1 ! results ( any diagno/ic imag+ te/s1 & any o!r te/s p]=m$ on ! m9]4 7b7 ,disclosure 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 any claim = b5efits "u ?is title1 ea* p>ty %all provide all o!r p>ties 9 ! proce$+ ) a copy ( all m$ical in=mation develop$ reg>d+ ! m9]'s physical condition relat+ to su* claim1 ev5 if ! p>ty does n int5d to submit ! in=mation z evid5ce4 7#b7 ,m$ical in=mation ,= purposes ( p>agraph 7#a71 ! t]m m$ical in=mation-- 7,a7 %all include ! op9ion ( any exam9+ physician1 & any exam9+ or nonexam9+ physician's int]pretations ( radiographs or pa?ology2 & 7,b7 %all n include-- 7i7 any record ( a m9]'s hospitalization or o!r m$ical treatm5t2 or 7ii7 any communication f a m9]'s repres5tative to a m$ical exp]t4 7c7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all promulgate regulations reg>d+ ! disclosure ( m$ical in=mation "u ?is section1 & su* regulations may e/abli% sanctions = noncompliance ) ?is section4 4 #ajb4 ,attorneys' fees & m$ical exp5ses paym5t program ,"p ,a ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq471 z am5d$ by section #aja1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #djd4 ,attorneys' fees & m$ical exp5ses paym5t program 7a7 ,program e/abli%$ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 ! ,secret>y %all e/abli% a paym5t program to pay attorneys' fees & o!r reasonable & unreimburs$ m$ical exp5ses incurr$ 9 e/abli%+ ! claimant's case1 us+ am\nts f ! fund1 to ! attorneys ( claimants 9 qualify+ claims4 7#b7 ,qualify+ claim ,a qualify+ claim = purposes ( ?is section is a conte/$ claim = b5efits "u ?is title = :i* a f9al ord] has n be5 ent]$ )9 "o ye> ( ! fil+ ( ! claim4 7#c7 ,use ( paym5ts f ! fund ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 am\nts 9 ! fund %all be available = paym5ts au?oriz$ by ! ,secret>y "u ?is section4 7b7 ,paym5ts au?oriz$ 7#a7 ,attorneys' fees 7,a7 ,approval ,if a claimant = b5efits "u ?is title obta9s a propos$ decision & ord] f a di/rict director ) an aw>d ( b5efits = a qualify+ claim1 or an aw>d = a qualify+ claim be=e an adm9i/rative law judge-- 7i7 ! di/rict director may approve attorneys' fees = "w done be=e su* director 9 an am\nt n to exce$ #a1ejj2 & 7ii7 an adm9i/rative law judge may approve attorneys' fees = "w done be=e su* judge 9 an am\nt n to exce$ #c1jjj4 7,b7 ,paym5t ,! ,secret>y %all1 ?r\gh ! program "u ?is section1 pay any am\nts approv$ "u subp>agraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,m$ical exp5ses 7,a7 ,approval ,if a claimant = b5efits "u ?is title obta9s a propos$ decision & ord] f a di/rict director ) an aw>d ( b5efits = a qualify+ claim1 or an aw>d = a qualify+ claim be=e an adm9i/rative law judge1 su* di/rict director & adm9i/rative law judge may ea* approve an aw>d1 9 an am\nt n to exce$ #a1ejj1 to ! claimant's attorney ( reasonable & unreimburs$ m$ical exp5ses incurr$ 9 e/abli%+ ! claimant's case4 7,b7 ,paym5t ,! ,secret>y %all1 ?r\gh ! program "u ?is section1 pay any am\nts approv$ "u subp>agraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,maximum ,! ,secret>y1 ?r\gh ! program e/abli%$ "u ?is section1 %all = any s+le qualify+ claim pay-- 7,a7 n m ?an a total ( #d1ejj 9 attorneys' fees2 & 7,b7 n m ?an #c1jjj 9 m$ical exp5ses4 7c7 ,reimbursem5t ( funds ,9 any case 9 :i* a qualify+ claim results 9 a f9al ord] aw>d+ comp5sation1 ! liable op]ator %all reimburse ! fund = any fees or exp5ses paid "u ?is section1 subject to en=cem5t by ! ,secret>y "u section #dbd & 9 ! same mann] z comp5sation ord]s are en=c$ "u section #ba7;d7 ( ! ,long%ore & ,h>bor ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #iba7;d774 7d7 ,additional program rules ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all limit or o!rwise affect an op]ator's liability = any attorneys' fees or m$ical exp5ses aw>d$ by ! di/rict director or an adm9i/rative law judge t 7 n paid by ! program "u ?is section4 ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all limit or o!rwise affect ! ,secret>y's au?ority to use am\nts 9 ! fund to pay approv$ attorneys' fees 9 claims = b5efits "u ?is title = :i* a f9al ord] aw>d+ comp5sation has be5 ent]$ & ! op]ator is unable to pay4 7e7 ,no rec\pm5t ( attorneys' fees ,any paym5t = attorneys' fees or m$ical exp5ses made by ! ,secret>y "u ?is section %all n be rec\p$ f ! claimant or ! claimant's attorney4 4 #ajc4 ,cl>ify+ eligibility = black lung b5efits ,section #daa7;c7 ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #iba7;c77 is am5d$ by /rik+ p>agraphs 7#c7 & 7#d7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7#c7 ,if an x-ray1 biopsy1 autopsy1 or o!r m$ically accept$ & relevant te/ or proc$ure e/abli%es t a m9] is suff]+ or has suff]$ f a *ronic du/ disease ( ! lung1 diagnos$ z complicat$ pneumoconiosis or progressive massive fibrosis 7pneumoconiosis t has =m$ an opacity1 mass1 or lesion ^: greate/ diamet] exce$s #a c5timet]71 !n !re %all be an irrebuttable presumption t su* m9] is totally disabl$ due to pneumoconiosis1 t ! m9]'s dea? 0 due to pneumoconiosis1 or t at ! "t ( dea? ! m9] 0 totally disabl$ by pneumoconiosis1 z ! case may be4 ,a *e/ radiograph1 :i* yields "o or m l>ge opacities 7^: greate/ diamet] exce$s #a c5timet]71 & w\ld be classifi$ 9 category ,a1 ,b1 or ,c 9 ! ,int]national ,classification ( ,radiographs ( ,pneumoconioses by ! ,int]national ,lab\r ,organization1 %all be suffici5t to invoke ! presumption1 9 ! abs5ce ( m probative evid5ce suffici5t to e/abli% t ! etiology ( a l>ge opacity is n pneumoconiosis4 7#d7 ,if a m9] 0 employ$ = #ae ye>s or m 9 "o or m coal m9es1 & if !re is a *e/ radiograph submitt$ 9 connection ) ! claim "u ?is title ( su* m9] or su* m9]'s surviv+ sp\se1 *ild1 p>5t1 bro!r1 si/]1 or dep5d5t & x is int]pret$ z negative ) respect to ! requirem5ts ( p>agraph 7#c71 & if o!r evid5ce demon/rates ! exi/5ce ( a totally disabl+ respiratory or pulmon>y impairm5t1 !n !re %all be a rebuttable presumption t su* m9] is totally disabl$ due to pneumoconiosis1 t ! m9]'s dea? 0 due to pneumoconiosis1 or t at ! "t ( dea? ! m9] 0 totally disabl$ by pneumoconiosis4 ,9 ! case ( a liv+ m9]1 a sp\se's affidavit may n be us$ by itself to e/abli% ! presumption "u ?is p>agraph4 ,! presumption "u ?is p>agraph may be rebutt$ only by e/abli%+ t su* m9] does n1 or did n1 h pneumoconiosis1 or t no "p ( su* m9]'s respiratory or pulmon>y impairm5t or dea? 0 caus$ by pneumoconiosis4 4 #ajd4 ,re/or+ adequate b5efit adju/m5ts = m9]s suff]+ f black lung disease & = _! dep5d5t family memb]s ,section #dab7;a7 ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ibb7;a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ p>agraph 7#a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( total disability ( a m9] due to pneumoconiosis1 ! disabl$ m9] %all be paid b5efits dur+ ! disability-- 7,a7 = any cal5d> ye> prec$+ ,janu>y #a1 #bjbj1 at a rate equal to #cg p]c5t ( ! mon?ly pay rate = ,f$]al employees 9 grade ,,gs-#b1 /ep #a2 7,b7 = ! cal5d> ye> beg9n+ on ,janu>y #a1 #bjbj1 at a rate1 payable 9 #ab equal mon?ly paym5ts1 (-- 7i7 #h1cgj p] ye>2 increas$ by 7ii7 ! same p]c5tage t ! pay rate = ,f$]al employees 9 grade ,,gs-#b1 /ep #a is increas$ = cal5d> ye> #bjbj2 & 7,c7 = ea* cal5d> ye> !reaft]1 at a rate equal to ! am\nt "u subp>agraph 7,b7 increas$ by an am\nt equal to any increase 9 ! annual rate ( ! ,consum] ,price ,index = ,urban ,wage ,e>n]s & ,cl]ical ,work]s1 z publi%$ by ! ,bureau ( ,labor ,/ati/ics4 4 #aje4 ,treatm5t ( evid5ce 9 equipoise ,section #dbb ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #icb7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7m7 ,9 det]m9+ ! validity ( a claim "u ?is title1 an adjudicator :o f9ds t ! evid5ce is ev5ly balanc$ on an issue %all resolve any result+ d\bt 9 ! claimant's favor & f9d t ! claimant has met ! burd5 ( p]suasion on su* issue4 4 #ajf4 ,provid+ assi/ance ) claims = m9]s & _! dep5d5t family memb]s ,section #dbg7;a7 ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #icg7;a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! analysis1 exam9ation1 & treatm5t & all t foll[s ?r\gh coal m9]s4 & ins]t+ ! analysis1 exam9ation1 & treatm5t ( respiratory & pulmon>y impairm5ts 9 active & inactive coal m9]s & = assi/ance on behalf ( m9]s1 sp\ses1 dep5d5ts1 & o!r family memb]s ) claims aris+ "u ?is title44 #ajg4 ,false /atem5ts or misrepres5tations1 attorney disqualification1 & discov]y sanctions ,section #dca ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ida7 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #dca4 ,false /atem5ts or misrepres5tations1 attorney disqualification1 & discov]y sanctions 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,no p]son1 includ+ any claimant1 physician1 op]ator1 duly au?oriz$ ag5t ( su* op]ator1 or employee ( an insurance c>ri]1 %all-- 7#a7 kn[+ly & willfully make a false /atem5t or misrepres5tation = ! purpose ( obta9+1 increas+1 r$uc+1 d5y+1 or t]m9at+ b5efits "u ?is title2 or 7#b7 ?reat51 co]ce1 intimidate1 deceive1 or kn[+ly mislead a p>ty1 repres5tative1 witness1 pot5tial witness1 judge1 or anyone p>ticipat+ 9 a proce$+ reg>d+ any matt] relat$ to a proce$+ "u ?is title4 7b7 ,f9e2 imprisonm5t ,any p]son :o engages 9 ! conduct describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 %all1 ^u conviction1 be subject to a f9e 9 accordance ) title #ah1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 imprison$ = n m ?an #e ye>s1 or bo?4 7c7 ,prompt inve/igation ,! ,unit$ ,/ates ,attorney = ! di/rict 9 :i* ! conduct describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 is alleg$ to h occurr$ %all make e reasonable ef=t to promptly inve/igate ea* compla9t ( a violation ( su* subsection4 7d7 ,disqualification 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,an attorney or exp]t witness :o engages 9 ! conduct describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 %all1 9 addition to ! f9e or imprisonm5t provid$ "u subsection 7b71 be p]man5tly disqualifi$ f repres5t+ any p>ty1 or appe>+ 9 any proce$+1 "u ?is title4 7#b7 ,attorney disqualification ,9 addition to ! disqualification describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y may disqualify an attorney f repres5t+ any p>ty 9 a proce$+ "u ?is title = ei!r a limit$ t]m or p]man5tly1 if ! attorney-- 7,a7 engages 9 any action or behavior t is prejudicial to ! fair & ord]ly conduct ( su* proce$+2 or 7,b7 is susp5d$ or disb>r$ by any c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 any ,/ate1 or any t]ritory1 commonweal?1 or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ) jurisdiction ov] ! proce$+4 7e7 ,discov]y sanctions ,an adm9i/rative law judge may sanction a p>ty :o fails to comply ) an ord] to compel discov]y or disclosure1 or to supplem5t e>li] responses1 9 a proce$+ "u ?is title4 ,^! sanctions may include1 z appropriate-- 7#a7 draw+ an adv]se inf]5ce aga9/ ! noncomply+ p>ty on ! facts relevant to ! discov]y or disclosure ord]2 7#b7 limit+ ! noncomply+ p>ty's claims1 def5ses1 or "r to introduce evid5ce2 & 7#c7 r5d]+ a default decision aga9/ ! noncomply+ p>ty4 7f7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all promulgate regulations t-- 7#a7 provide proc$ures = ! disqualifications & sanctions "u ?is section & are appropriate = all p>ties2 & 7#b7 di/+ui% betwe5 p>ties t are repres5t$ by an attorney & p>ties t are n repres5t$ by an attorney4 4 #ajh4 ,developm5t ( m$ical evid5ce by ! ,secret>y ,"p ,c ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ica et seq47 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #dce4 ,developm5t ( m$ical evid5ce by ! ,secret>y 7a7 ,complete pulmon>y evaluation ,^u reque/ by a claimant = b5efits "u ?is title1 ! ,secret>y %all provide ! claimant an opportunity to sub/antiate ! claim ?r\gh a complete pulmon>y evaluation ( ! m9] t %all include-- 7#a7 an initial report1 conduct$ by a qualifi$ physician on ! li/ provid$ "u subsection 7d71 & 9 accordance ) subsection 7d77#e7 & sections #djb7;f77#a77;,d7 & #dac7;b72 & 7#b7 if ! conditions "u subsection 7b7 are met1 any supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce describ$ 9 subsection 7c74 7b7 ,conditions = supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce ,! ,secret>y %all develop supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce1 9 accordance ) subsection 7c7-- 7#a7 = any claim 9 :i* ! ,secret>y recomm5ds an aw>d ( b5efits bas$ on ! results ( ! initial report "u subsection 7a77#a7 & a p>ty oppos+ su* aw>d submits evid5ce t c\ld be consid]$ contr>y to ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y2 & 7#b7 = any comp5sation case "u ?is title he>d by an adm9i/rative law judge1 9 :i*-- 7,a7 ! ,secret>y has aw>d$ b5efits to ! claimant2 7,b7 ! p>ty oppos+ su* aw>d has submitt$ evid5ce n previ\sly review$ t c\ld be consid]$ contr>y to ! aw>d "u subp>agraph 7,a72 & 7,c7 ! claimant or1 if ! claimant is repres5t$ by an attorney1 ! claimant's attorney cons5ts to ! ,secret>y develop+ supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce4 7c7 ,process = supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ "u p>agraph 7#b71 to develop supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce "u conditions describ$ 9 subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all reque/ ! physician :o conduct$ ! initial report "u subsection 7a77#a7 to-- 7,a7 review any m$ical evid5ce submitt$ aft] su* report or ! mo/ rec5t supplem5tal report1 z appropriate2 & 7,b7 update 8 or h] op9ion 9 a supplem5tal report4 7#b7 ,alt]native physician ,if su* physician is no long] available or is unwill+ to provide supplem5tal m$ical evid5ce "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all select ano!r qualifi$ physician to provide su* evid5ce4 7#c7 ,complicat$ pneumoconiosis ,9 diagnos+ :e!r !re is complicat$ pneumoconiosis z a "p ( a m$ical exam9ation conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all au?orize a high-quality1 l[-dose or /&>d ,,ct scan :]e "o or m ( ! foll[+ is f\nd3 7,a7 ,any c]tifi$ ,b read] ( a *e/ radiograph associat$ ) ! exam9ation "u section #dac7;b7 f9ds advanc$ pneumoconiosis 7,,ilo category #b_/a or great]74 7,b7 ,any c]tifi$ ,b read] ( a *e/ radiograph associat$ ) ! exam9ation "u section #dac7;b7 f9ds a coalesc5ce ( small opacities4 7,c7 ,any c]tifi$ ,b read] ( a *e/ radiograph associat$ ) ! exam9ation "u section #dac7;b7 has a reasonable belief t !re may be a l>ge opacity 9 ! upp] lungs t has be5 obscur$ by bony /ructures4 7d7 ,qualifi$ physicians = complete pulmon>y evaluation & protections = suitability & pot5tial conflicts ( int]e/ 7#a7 ,qualifi$ physicians li/ ,! ,secret>y %all create & ma9ta9 a li/ ( qualifi$ physicians to be select$ by a claimant to p]=m ! complete pulmon>y evaluation describ$ 9 subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,public availability ,! ,secret>y %all make ! li/ "u ?is subsection available to ! public4 7#c7 ,annual evaluation ,ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all update su* li/ by review+ ! suitability ( ! li/$ qualifi$ physicians & assess+ any pot5tial conflicts ( int]e/4 7#d7 ,crit]ia = suitability ,9 det]m9+ :e!r a physician is suitable to be on ! li/ "u ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y %all consult ! ,national ,practition] ,data ,bank ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices & assess reports ( adv]se lic5sure1 c]tifications1 hospital privilege1 & pr(essional society actions involv+ ! physician4 ,9 no case %all su* li/ include any physician-- 7,a7 :o is n lic5s$ to practice m$ic9e 9 any ,/ate or any t]ritory1 commonweal?1 or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 7,b7 ^: lic5se is revok$ by a m$ical lic5s+ bo>d ( any ,/ate1 t]ritory1 commonweal?1 or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 or 7,c7 ^: lic5se is susp5d$ by a m$ical lic5s+ bo>d ( any ,/ate1 t]ritory1 commonweal?1 or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 7#e7 ,conflicts ( int]e/ ,! ,secret>y %all develop & implem5t policies & proc$ures to ensure t any actual or pot5tial conflict ( int]e/ ( qualifi$ physicians on ! li/ "u ?is subsection1 includ+ bo? individual & organizational conflicts ( int]e/1 are disclos$ to ! ,dep>tm5t1 & to provide su* disclosure to claimants4 ,su* policies & proc$ures %all provide t1 unless ! claimant kn[+ly & ) ! b5efit ( full disclosure waives ! foll[+ limitations1 a physician %all n be us$ to p]=m a complete pulmon>y m$ical evaluation "u subsection 7a7 t is reimburs$ pursuant to subsection 7f71 if-- 7,a7 su* physician is employ$ by1 "u contract to1 or o!rwise provid+ s]vices to a private p>ty oppos+ ! claim1 a law firm or lawy] repres5t+ su* oppos+ p>ty1 or an int]e/$ insur] or o!r int]e/$ ?ird p>ty2 or 7,b7 su* physician has be5 reta9$ by a private p>ty oppos+ ! claim1 a law firm or lawy] repres5t+ su* oppos+ p>ty1 or an int]e/$ insur] or o!r int]e/$ ?ird p>ty 9 ! previ\s #bd mon?s4 7e7 ,record ,^u receipt ( any initial report or supplem5tal report "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all ent] ! report 9 ! record & provide a copy ( su* report to all p>ties to ! proce$+4 7f7 ,exp5ses ,all exp5ses relat$ to obta9+ ! m$ical evid5ce "u ?is section %all be paid = by ! fund4 ,if a claimant receives a f9al aw>d ( b5efits1 ! op]ator liable = paym5t ( b5efits1 if any1 %all reimburse ! fund = su* exp5ses1 :i* %all include int]e/4 4 #aji4 ,m$ical evid5ce tra9+ program ,"p ,c ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ica et seq471 z am5d$ by section #ajh1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #dcf4 ,m$ical evid5ce tra9+ program 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 ! ,secret>y1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,national ,in/itute = ,occupational ,safety & ,heal?1 %all e/abli% & implem5t a tra9+ program1 to provide education on issues relat+ to m$ical evid5ce relevant to claims = b5efits "u ?is title1 to ea* ( ! foll[+ individuals :o engage 9 "w "u ?is title3 7#a7 ,di/rict directors4 7#b7 ,claims exam9]s work+ "u su* directors4 7#c7 ,adm9i/rative law judges & attorney advisors support+ su* judges4 7#d7 ,memb]s ( ! ,b5efits ,review ,bo>d e/abli%$ "u section #ba7;b7 ( ! ,long%ore & ,h>bor ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #iba7;b774 7b7 ,tra9+ program topics ,! tra9+ program "u ?is section %all provide an ov]view ( topics t include-- 7#a7 new developm5ts 9 pulmon>y m$ic9e relat+ to pneumoconiosis2 7#b7 m$ical evid5ce1 & o!r relevant evid5ce1 suffici5t to support a claim = b5efits "u ?is title2 & 7#c7 weigh+ conflict+ m$ical evid5ce & te/imony conc]n+ eligibility = su* b5efits4 7c7 ,tim+ ( tra9+ 7#a7 ,individuals hir$ or appo9t$ prior to ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai ,any di/rict director1 claims exam9]1 adm9i/rative law judge1 attorney advisor support+ su* judge1 or memb] ( ! ,b5efits ,review ,bo>d describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#d71 :o 0 hir$ or appo9t$ prior to ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai %all complete ! tra9+ program "u ?is section n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( su* program "u subsection 7a7 & n less ?an annually !reaft]4 7#b7 ,individuals hir$ or appo9t$ aft] ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai ,any di/rict director1 claims exam9]1 adm9i/rative law judge1 attorney advisor support+ su* judge1 or memb] ( ! ,b5efits ,review ,bo>d describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#d71 :o is n describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all complete ! tra9+ program "u ?is section prior to engag+ 9 any "w "u ?is title & n less ?an annually !reaft]4 4 #aaj4 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts ,! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq47 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 section #dja7;a7 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija7;a771 by ins]t+ or :o 7 f\nd to be totally disabl$ by su* disease aft] su* disease2 7#b7 9 section #djb 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ijb7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7#b7 a sp\se :o is a memb] ( ! same h\sehold z ! m9]1 or is receiv+ regul> contributions f ! m9] = support1 or ^: sp\se is a m9] :o has be5 ord]$ by a c\rt to contribute to support1 or :o meets ! requirem5ts ( p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 ( section #baf7;b7 ( ! ,social ,security ,act or p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 ( section #baf7;f7 ( su* ,act4 ,an individual is ! sp\se ( a m9] :5 su* individual is legally m>ri$ to ! m9] "u ! laws ( ! ,/ate :]e ! m>riage 0 celebrat$4 ,! t]m sp\se also includes a divorc$ wife or divorc$ husb&1 z su* t]ms are def9$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#d7 ( section #baf7;d7 ( su* ,act1 :o is receiv+ at lea/ "o-half ( 8 or h] support1 z det]m9$ 9 accordance ) regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y1 f ! m9]1 or is receiv+ sub/antial contributions f ! m9] 7pursuant to a writt5 agreem5t71 or !re is 9 effect a c\rt ord] = sub/antial contributions to ! sp\se's support f su* m9]4 2 7,b7 by /rik+ subsection 7e7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7e7 ,! t]m surviv+ sp\se includes ! sp\se liv+ ) or dep5d5t = support on ! m9] at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea?1 or liv+ ap>t = reasonable cause or because ( ! m9]'s des]tion1 or :o meets ! requirem5ts ( subp>agraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e7 ( section #baf7;c77#a7 ( ! ,social ,security ,act1 subp>agraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e7 ( section #baf7;g77#a7 ( su* ,act1 or section #baf7k7 ( su* ,act1 :o is n m>ri$4 ,an individual is ! surviv+ sp\se ( a m9] :5 legally m>ri$ at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? "u ! laws ( ! ,/ate :]e ! m>riage 0 celebrat$4 ,su* t]m also includes a surviv+ divorc$ wife or surviv+ divorc$ husb&1 z su* t]ms are def9$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 or 7#e7 ( section #baf7;d7 ( su* ,act :o = ! mon? prec$+ ! mon? 9 :i* ! m9] di$1 0 receiv+ at lea/ "o-half ( 8 or h] support1 z det]m9$ 9 accordance ) regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y1 f ! m9]1 or 0 receiv+ sub/antial contributions f ! m9] 7pursuant to a writt5 agreem5t7 or !re 0 9 effect a c\rt ord] = sub/antial contributions to ! sp\se's support f ! m9] at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea?4 2 7,c7 9 subsection 7f77#b7-- 7i7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 1 z 9 effect on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,consolidation ( ,adm9i/rative ,responsibility ,act 7,public ,law #ajg-bge7 aft] section #dce7;a72 & 7ii7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by ins]t+ 1 z 9 effect on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,consolidation ( ,adm9i/rative ,responsibility ,act 7,public ,law #ajg-bge7 aft] section #dce7;b72 7,d7 9 subsection 7g7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 by /rik+ he ceas$ & ins]t+ ! individual ceas$2 & 7ii7 9 ! matt] foll[+ p>agraph 7#b77;,c71 by /rik+ wid[ ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se2 7,e7 9 subsection 7h71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7,f7 9 subsection 7i71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 7#c7 9 section #daa 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #iba7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ subsection 7a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7a7 ,! ,secret>y %all1 9 accordance ) ! provisions ( ?is title1 & ! regulations promulgat$ by ! ,secret>y "u ?is title1 make paym5ts ( b5efits 9 respect (-- 7#a7 total disability ( any m9] due to pneumoconiosis2 7#b7 ! dea? ( any m9] ^: dea? 0 due to pneumoconiosis2 7#c7 total disability ( any m9] at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? ) respect to a claim fil$ "u "p ,c prior to ,janu>y #a1 #aihb2 7#d7 survivors' b5efits = any claim fil$ aft] ,janu>y #a1 #bjje1 t is p5d+ on or aft] ,m>* #bc1 #bjaj1 :]e ! m9] is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c2 & 7#e7 survivors' b5efits :]e ! m9] is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? result+ f ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb4 2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ 8 pneumoconiosis & ins]t+ ! m9]'s pneumoconiosis2 & 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ 8 dea? & ins]t+ ! m9]'s dea?2 7#d7 9 section #dab 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ibb7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( a surviv+ sp\se-- 7,a7 ( a m9] ^: dea? is due to pneumoconiosis2 7,b7 9 a claim fil$ aft] ,janu>y #a1 #bjje1 & t is p5d+ on or aft] ,m>* #bc1 #bjaj1 ( a m9] :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c2 7,c7 ( a m9] :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb2 or 7,d7 9 a claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb1 ( a m9] :o 0 totally disabl$ by pneumoconiosis at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea?1 b5efits %all be paid to ! m9]'s surviv+ sp\se at ! rate ! deceas$ m9] w\ld receive su* b5efits if ! m9] 7 totally disabl$4 2 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#c7-- 7,i7 by /rik+ 7#c7 ,9 ! case & all t foll[s ?r\gh section #daa7;c7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7#c77;,a7 ,9 ! case ( ! *ild or *ildr5 ( a m9] describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b72 7,,ii7 by /rik+ he ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ! *ild2 7,,iii7 by /rik+ wid[ ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se2 & 7,,iv7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7,b7 ,subp>agraph 7,a7 %all apply 9 ! case ( any *ild or *ildr5-- 7i7 ( a m9] ^: dea? is due to pneumoconiosis2 7ii7 9 a claim fil$ aft] ,janu>y #a1 #bjje1 t is p5d+ on or aft] ,m>* #bc1 #bjaj1 ( a m9] :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c2 7iii7 ( a m9] :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb2 7iv7 9 a claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb1 ( a m9] :o 0 totally disabl$ by pneumoconiosis at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea?2 7v7 ( a surviv+ sp\se :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits "u ?is "p at ! "t ( ! surviv+ sp\se's dea?2 or 7vi7 entitl$ to ! paym5t ( b5efits "u p>agraph 7#e7 ( section #daa7;c74 2 7iii7 9 p>agraph 7#e7-- 7,i7 by /rik+ ! fir/ s5t5ce & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 ,9 ! case ( ! dep5d5t p>5t or p>5ts ( a m9] :o is n surviv$ at ! "t ( dea? by a surviv+ sp\se or a *ild & 7i7 ^: dea? is due to pneumoconiosis1 7ii7 9 a claim fil$ aft] ,janu>y #a1 #bjje1 t is p5d+ on or aft] ,m>* #bc1 #bjaj1 :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c1 7iii7 :o is f\nd entitl$ to receive b5efits at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? z a result ( ! m9]'s claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb1 or 7iv7 9 a claim fil$ "u "p ,c be=e ,janu>y #a1 #aihb1 :o 0 totally disabl$ by pneumoconiosis at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea?1 7,i7 9 ! case ( ! dep5d5t surviv+ bro!r7s7 or si/]7s7 ( su* a m9] :o is n surviv$ at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? by a surviv+ sp\se1 *ild1 or p>5t1 7,,ii7 9 ! case ( ! dep5d5t p>5t or p>5ts ( a m9] 7:o is n surviv$ at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? by a surviv+ sp\se or *ild7 :o are entitl$ to ! paym5t ( b5efits "u p>agraph 7#e7 ( section #daa7;c71 or 7,,iii7 9 ! case ( ! dep5d5t surviv+ bro!r7s7 or si/]7s7 ( a m9] 7:o is n surviv$ at ! "t ( ! m9]'s dea? by a surviv+ sp\se1 *ild1 or p>5t7 :o are entitl$ to ! paym5t ( b5efits "u p>agraph 7#e7 ( section #daa7;c71 b5efits %all be paid "u ?is "p to su* p>5t7s71 or to su* bro!r7s71 or si/]7s71 at ! rate specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 7z if su* p>5t7s7 or su* bro!r7s7 or si/]7s71 7 ! *ildr5 ( su* m9]742 & 7,,ii7 9 ! f\r? s5t5ce-- 7aa7 by /rik+ bro!r only if he & ins]t+ bro!r or si/] only if ! bro!r or si/]2 & 7bb7 by /rik+ be=e he ceas$ & ins]t+ be=e ! bro!r or si/] ceas$2 & 7iv7 9 p>agraph 7#f71 by /rik+ prescrib$ by him & ins]t+ prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y2 7,b7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7i7 by /rik+ 8 ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ su* m9]'s2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ wid[ ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se2 & 7,c7 9 subsection 7c71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 7#e7 9 section #dac 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ibc7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7i7 9 ! second s5t5ce1 by /rik+ 8 wife's affidavits & ins]t+ affidavits ( ! m9]'s sp\se2 7ii7 9 ! n9? s5t5ce1 by /rik+ wid[ & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se2 & 7iii7 by /rik+ ! la/ s5t5ce2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7c71 by /rik+ 8 claim & ins]t+ ! claim2 7#f7 9 section #dad 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ibd7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ wid[1 )9 six mon?s aft] ! dea? ( h] husb& & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se1 )9 six mon?s aft] ! dea? ( ! m9]2 & 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#b77;,c71 by /rik+ 8 & ins]t+ ! *ild's2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7e7-- 7i7 by /rik+ wid[ & ins]t+ surviv+ sp\se2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ 8 dea? & ins]t+ ! m9]'s dea?2 7#g7 9 section #dae7;a7 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ibe7;a77-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ him & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 7#h7 9 section #dba 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ica7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ wid[s & ins]t+ sp\ses2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7b77#b7-- 7i7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 & 7ii7 9 subp>agraph 7,f71 by /rik+ promulgat$ by him & ins]t+ promulgat$ by ! ,secret>y2 7#i7 9 section #dbb 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #icb7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 7,b7 9 subsection 7c71 by ins]t+ 1 z 9 effect on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,consolidation ( ,adm9i/rative ,responsibility ,act 7,public ,law #ajg-bge7 aft] section #dce2 7,c7 9 subsection 7i77#d71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7,d7 9 subsection 7j7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by ins]t+ 1 z 9 effect on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,consolidation ( ,adm9i/rative ,responsibility ,act 7,public ,law #ajg-bge7 aft] section #dce2 7#aj7 9 section #dbc7;a7 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #icc7;a771 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ su* op]ator2 7#aa7 9 section #dbd7;b7 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #icd7;b77-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] foll[+ subp>agraph 7,b7 ( p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ him & ins]t+ su* op]ator2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 & 7,c7 9 p>agraph 7#e71 by /rik+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aied & ins]t+ ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf2 7#ab7 9 section #dbh 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ich7-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ him & ins]t+ su* op]ator2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7i7 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ ! m9]2 7ii7 9 ! ?ird s5t5ce1 by /rik+ he & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 7iii7 9 ! n9? s5t5ce-- 7,i7 by /rik+ he ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 & 7,,ii7 by /rik+ 8 & ins]t+ ! m9]'s2 & 7iv7 9 ! t5? s5t5ce1 by /rik+ he ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ! ,secret>y2 & 7#ac7 9 section #dcj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #idj7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ #aigg & & ins]t+ #aigg12 & 7,b7 by /rik+ #aiha & ins]t+ #aiha1 & ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 & any am5dm5ts made aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( su* ,act14 #aaa4 ,readjudicat+ cases involv+ c]ta9 *e/ radiographs 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,cov]$ *e/ radiograph ,! t]m cov]$ *e/ radiograph means a *e/ radiograph t 0 int]pret$ z negative = simple pneumoconiosis1 complicat$ pneumoconiosis1 or progressive massive fibrosis by a physician ) respect to :om ! ,secret>y ( ,labor has direct$1 9 writ+ & aft] an evaluation by ! ,secret>y1 t su* physician's negative int]pretations ( *e/ radiographs n be cr$it$1 except :]e subsequ5tly det]m9$ to be cr$ible by ! ,secret>y 9 evaluat+ a claim = b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq474 7#b7 ,cov]$ individual ,! t]m cov]$ individual means an individual ^: record = a claim = b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act includes a cov]$ *e/ radiograph4 7#c7 ,cov]$ survivor ,! t]m cov]$ survivor means an individual :o-- 7,a7 is a survivor ( a cov]$ individual ^: claim "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 0 /ill p5d+ at ! "t ( ! cov]$ individual's dea?2 & 7,b7 cont9u$ to seek an aw>d ) respect to ! cov]$ individual's claim aft] ! cov]$ individual's dea?4 7b7 ,claims ,a cov]$ individual or a cov]$ survivor ^: claim = b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq47 0 d5i$ prior to ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act may file a new claim = b5efits "u ?is ,act n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7c7 ,adjudication on ! m]its 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,any new claim fil$ "u subsection 7b7 %all be adjudicat$ on ! m]its & %all n include consid]ation ( a cov]$ *e/ radiograph4 7#b7 ,cov]$ survivor ,any new claim fil$ "u subsection 7b7 by a cov]$ survivor %all be adjudicat$ z ei!r a m9]'s or a survivor's claim dep5d+ ^u ! type ( claim p5d+ at ! "t ( ! cov]$ individual's dea?4 7d7 ,"t ( paym5t 7#a7 ,m9]'s claim ,if a claim1 fil$ "u subsection 7b7 & adjudicat$ "u subsection 7c7 z a m9]'s claim1 results 9 an aw>d ( b5efits1 b5efits %all be payable beg9n+ ) ! mon? ( ! fil+ ( ! d5i$ claim t _h includ$ 9 its record a cov]$ *e/ radiograph4 7#b7 ,survivor's claim ,if a claim1 fil$ "u subsection 7b7 & adjudicat$ "u subsection 7c7 z a survivor's claim1 results 9 an aw>d ( b5efits1 b5efits %all be payable beg9n+ ) ! mon? ( ! m9]'s dea?4 7e7 ,contribut+ impact ,! ,secret>y %all h ! discretion to d5y a new claim "u subsection 7b7 9 circum/ances :]e ! p>ty oppos+ su* claim e/abli%es ?r\gh cle> & conv9c+ evid5ce t a cov]$ *e/ radiograph did n contribute to ! decision to d5y b5efits 9 all prior claims fil$ by ! cov]$ individual or ! cov]$ survivor4 7f7 ,limitation on fil+ ( new claims ,a new claim = b5efits may be fil$ "u subsection 7b7 only if ! orig9al claim 0 f9ally d5i$ by a di/rict director1 an adm9i/rative law judge1 or ! ,b5efits ,review ,bo>d e/abli%$ "u section #ba7;b7 ( ! ,long%ore & ,h>bor ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #iba7;b774 #aab4 ,disclosure ( employm5t & e>n+s in=mation = ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act claims 7a7 ,tax return in=mation ,section #fajc7l7 ( ! ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code ( #aihf is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#bc7 ,disclosure ( return in=mation to ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor to c>ry out ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,commission] ( ,social ,security %all1 on writt5 reque/ ) respect to any individual1 disclose to (fic]s or employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor return in=mation f returns ) respect to net e>n+s f self-employm5t 7z def9$ 9 section #adjb7 & wages 7z def9$ 9 section #caba7;a7 or #cdja7;a77 = employm5t = ea* employ] ( su* individual4 7,b7 ,re/riction on disclosure ,! ,commission] ( ,social ,security %all disclose return in=mation "u subp>agraph 7,a7 only = purposes (1 & ! ext5t necess>y 91 c>ry+ out ! prop] adm9i/ration ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq474 4 7b7 ,social security e>n+s in=mation ,not)/&+ section #eeb;a ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r provision ( ,f$]al or ,/ate law1 ! ,commission] ( ,social ,security %all make available to ! (fic]s & employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor1 ^u writt5 reque/1 ! ,social ,security e>n+s in=mation ( liv+ or deceas$ individuals :o are ! subject ( a claim "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq471 :i* ! ,secret>y ( ,labor may require to c>ry out su* ,act4 ,su* in=mation %all be made available 9 electronic =m4 ,b ,reports to improve ! adm9i/ration ( b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act #aba4 ,/rategy to r$uce delays 9 adjudication 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all submit to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 & ,p5sions & ! ,committee on ,appropriations ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,education & ,labor & ! ,committee on ,appropriations ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a compreh5sive /rategy to r$uce ! backlog ( cases p5d+ on su* date ( enactm5t be=e ! ,(fice ( ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judges ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor4 7b7 ,cont5ts ( /rategy ,! /rategy "u ?is section %all provide in=mation relat+ to-- 7#a7 ! curr5t & t>get$ p5d5cy = ea* category ( cases be=e ! ,(fice ( ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judges ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor2 7#b7 ! numb] ( adm9i/rative law judges1 attorney advisors support+ su* judges1 support /aff1 & o!r res\rces necess>y to a*ieve & ma9ta9 ! t>get$ p5d5cy = ea* category ( su* cases2 7#c7 ! necess>y res\rces to improve effici5cy & effectiv5ess1 su* z equipm5t1 tra9+1 use ( reemploy$ annuitants1 & adm9i/rative re=ms2 7#d7 ! impact ( seque/ration1 furl\ghs1 & ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t %utd[ns on increas+ adm9i/rative burd5s & ! backlog ( cases p5d+ be=e su* ,(fice2 & 7#e7 ) respect to claims fil$ "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq471 ! necess>y res\rces ne$$ to r$uce ! av]age p5d5cy ( cases to less ?an #ab mon?s f ! date ( receipt ( ! case to ! date ( disposition ( su* case4 7c7 ,consultation ,9 prep>+ su* /rategy1 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all consult ) organizations t h ongo+ int]actions ) ! ,(fice ( ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judges ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor1 includ+ organizations t repres5t p>ties 9 cases "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act1 ! ,long%ore & ,h>bor ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq471 & ,f$]al /atutes reg>d+ :i/lebl[]s1 wages & h\rs = employees1 & immigration4 #abb4 ,,gao report on black lung program 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,education & ,labor ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on any b>ri]s to heal? c>e fac$ by coal m9]s ) pneumoconiosis4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ "u subsection 7a7 %all include-- 7#a7 an assessm5t ( possible b>ri]s to heal? c>e "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq47 & ! degree to :i* any b>ri]s impact ! ability ( m9]s ) legitimate m$ical ne$s1 p>ticul>ly su* m9]s 9 rural areas1 to access treatm5t = pneumoconiosis2 7#b7 recomm5dations necess>y to address issues1 if any1 relat+ to pati5t access to c>e "u su* ,act2 & 7#c7 an evaluation ( :e!r ! b5efit paym5ts au?oriz$ "u su* ,act1 z am5d$ by ?is ,act1 are suffici5t to meet ! exp5ses ( disabl$ m9]s1 surviv+ sp\ses1 dep5d5ts1 & o!r family memb]s entitl$ to receive b5efits "u ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,act4 ,,ii ,/&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration #bja4 ,/&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration ,section #bjb ( ! ,f$]al ,m9e ,safety & ,heal? ,act ( #aigg 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #hdb7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7i7 ,reports 7#a7 ,retrospective /udy 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,beg9n+ n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 ! ,secret>y %all conduct a retrospective /udy evaluat+ data collect$ us+ cont9u\s p]sonal du/ monitors to det]m9e :e!r to-- 7i7 l[] ! applicable /&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration to bett] protect ! heal? ( m9]s2 7ii7 increase ! frequ5cy = tak+ samples ( respirable du/ conc5tration1 us+ cont9u\s p]sonal du/ monitors2 7iii7 modify ! eng9e]+ controls & "w practices us$ by m9e op]ators to comply ) ! applicable /&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration2 7iv7 conv]t samples tak5 = %ifts t are great] ?an #h h\rs to an #h-;h\r equival5t conc5tration to m accurately assess ! conditions ( m9]s work+ on long] %ifts2 & 7v7 l[] ! applicable /&>d = qu>tz 7cry/all9e silica7 9 respirable du/ to bett] protect m9]s' heal?4 7,b7 ,completion deadl9e ,n lat] ?an #dej days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,black ,lung ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 ! ,secret>y %all complete ! /udy requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 & report ! f9d+s ( su* /udy to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,education & ,labor ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7#b7 ,subsequ5t /udies ,by ,augu/ #a1 #bjbe1 & e #c ye>s !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all conduct a new /udy z describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 & report1 by n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ! /udy1 ! f9d+s ( su* /udy to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,education & ,labor ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7#c7 ,revis$ /&>ds ,if any report ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is subsection concludes t ! applicable /&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration %\ld be l[]$ to protect ! heal? ( m9]s1 or t ! incid5ce ( pneumoconiosis among coal m9]s 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 z report$ by ! ,national ,in/itute = ,occupational ,safety & ,heal?1 has n be5 r$uc$ f su* incid5ce prior to ! implem5tation ( ! mo/ rec5t applicable /&>d = respirable du/ conc5tration1 ! ,secret>y %all1 consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( ?is section & section #aja1 accord+ly revise su* /&>d & any applicable sampl+ or te/+ proc$ures n lat] ?an #bd mon?s aft] ! publication ( su* report ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is subsection4 4 ,,iii ,e/abli%+ ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs #cja4 ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,!re %all be e/abli%$1 9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor1 an ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z ! ,(fice74 7b7 ,director 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,(fice %all be direct$ by a ,director = ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is title z ! ,director7 :o %all be appo9t$ by ! ,presid5t1 by & ) ! advice & cons5t ( ! ,s5ate4 7#b7 ,duties ,! ,director %all c>ry out all duties c>ri$ out by ! ,director = ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation z ( ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7c7 ,functions ,! functions ( ! ,(fice on & aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act %all include ! functions ( ! ,(fice on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 includ+ all ( its p]sonnel1 assets1 au?orities1 & liabilities4 7d7 ,ref]5ces to ,bureau ( ,employees' ,comp5sation ,ref]5ce 9 any o!r ,f$]al law1 ,executive ord]1 reorganization plan1 rule1 regulation1 or delegation ( au?ority1 or any docum5t ( or relat+ to ! ,bureau ( ,employees' ,comp5sation ) reg>d to functions c>ri$ out by ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs1 %all be deem$ to ref] to ! ,(fice ( ,work]s' ,comp5sation ,programs4 ,,iv ,sev]ability #dja4 ,sev]ability ,if any provision ( ?is ,act1 or an am5dm5t made by ?is ,act1 or ! application ( su* provision to any p]son or circum/ance1 is held to be invalid1 ! rema9d] ( ?is ,act1 or an am5dm5t made by ?is ,act1 or ! application ( su* provision to o!r p]sons or circum/ances1 %all n be affect$4